Age and phenology control photosynthesis and leaf traits in the understory woody species, and .

Understory plants are often inadequately represented or neglected within analyses of forest ecosystem productivity. Further, the potential impacts of the biological factors of age class and growth form on carbon cycling physiology, and how it may vary across the growing season and amongst species of different native/non-native status, have not been thoroughly considered. Our study examines photosynthesis and associated physical leaf traits in two understory woody species, , introduced and invasive in North America, and , a common subcanopy species native to North America.